Cinnyris afer
The Greater Double-collared Sunbird occurs only in South Africa and Swaziland, inhabiting high-lying shrublands, fynbos, forest margins, riverine woodland and parks and gardens, often in hilly and mountainous terrain. They feed on nectar, juicy fruits and insects and spiders. Adults measure 14cm in length and weigh around 15g.
Thse sunbirds are usually seen singly or in pairs. Breeding in the Greater Double-collared Sunbird has been recorded throughout the year, though there’s a distinct peak in the spring and summer months. Pairs are monogamous and very defensive of the immediate vicinity of their nest. The female is responsible for constructing the oval nest in dense trees using grass and other plant material bound with spider webs, lining the inside with fur and feathers. The female is also responsible for the incubation of the clutch of 2 eggs over a 2 week period, but both parents provide food to the hatchlings in the nest. The chicks leave the nest when they’re about two weeks old and stay with their parents for only another 10 days or so afterwards. Pairs may raise up to 3 broods in a season.
The IUCN evaluates the Greater Double-collared Sunbird as being of least concern.
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